LEVODOPA

Parkinson's Agent

Brand names: Inbrija, Sinemet

Respiratory (inhalation)

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine, crosses the blood-brain barrier and presumably is converted to dopamine in the brain. This is thought to be the mechanism whereby levodopa relieves symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Indications

See full prescribing information

Contraindications

• 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS INBRIJA is contraindicated in patients currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g.
• 7.1 )

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living ( 5
1 ) Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction to reduce the risk of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion ( 5
Although many of these patients reported somnolence, some reported no warning signs (sleep attack) and believed that they were alert immediately prior to the event
Before initiating treatment with INBRIJA, advise patients about the potential to develop drowsiness and ask about factors that may increase the risk for somnolence with INBRIJA such as the concomitant use of sedating medications and the presence of sleep disorders

Known Side Effects

9 documented side effects by frequency

Drowsiness

0.1-1%

Weakness

0.1-1%

Drug Not Working

>10%

Falls

>10%

Tremor

1-10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Cough

1-10%

Fatigue

0.1-1%

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Compare With

11 available comparisons

Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Respiratory (inhalation)